Because back pain is such a common problem, a group of Canadian researchers recently investigated the role that the type of primary caregiver has on financial compensation.

This was a large study of 5,511 patients who experienced a work-related back injury in Ontario, Canada. The patients saw the following providers for their first visit:

85.3% saw a medical doctor

11.4% saw a chiropractor

3.2% saw a physical therapist

The authors set out to “compare the duration of financial compensation for back pain” among patients from each care group.

The study found that chiropractic patients had the shortest amount of time receiving compensation for their pain and also were less likely to have a recurrence.

In addition, chiropractic patients didn’t need to see other healthcare providers for their pain. 75% of chiropractic patients saw no other provider, while 58.6% of physical therapy patients also saw a medical doctor.

The authors conclude:

“The type of healthcare provider first visited for back pain is a determinant of the duration of financial compensation during the first 5 months. Chiropractic patients experience the shortest duration of compensation, and physiotherapy patients experience the longest.”

The newsletter is intended as an educational resource for my patients.

About Our PracticeDr. Shelly Webb is a devoted chiropractor providing state-of-the-art facilities for rehabilitation and wellness care. She is a Palmer College of Chiropractic graduate with 30 years experience. Her practice focuses on Lower back and neck pain conditions as well as sports related injuries for children and adults. Dr. Webb has had extensive training in maternity and child adjusting with an emphasis on nutritional remedies and exercise rehabilitation.